Today Sir Jules, Sandra and Steve took me to my first live football game. The day started with a pint at the Larrik at about midday before moving on to the Coat and Badge for a fairly posh Sunday roast (my veges came in a separate bowl for goodness sakes!) and then on to Craven Cottage at about 3 for the game: Fulham vs Middlesbrough. Sandra was the only one out of the four us who really had a team to support (Boro) so a lot of our pre-game talk was on both educating me about the game of football and Sandra making sure we were in full Boro-support mode. Unfortunately, the support wasn’t enough and Boro went down to the home team 1-0 (after a penalty shot late in the second half). But I’m getting ahead of myself.
Craven Cottage, Fulham’s home ground, is so named because of this strange little cottage which occupies one corner of the ground. Its apparently one of the nicer grounds set as it is by the river and near a nice little green which makes your walk to the ground enjoyable, especially on a nice day I imagine, and is a great way to build up some excitement as you walk with the other football fans. I’ve read that the police presence is a little over the top out front but I didn’t mind seeing the giant horses 
(okay, mounted police on normal sized horses.) Seating approximately 22,000 its also one of the cosier grounds and allows you to feel pretty close to the action.
As for the game itself well I’m not sure it was the most exciting game to be played as it was the last game in this year’s Premiership for both teams and neither really had anything to play for except pride. I think Fulham was pretty much playing its first string team but Boro were definitely not, especially if the numbers on the jerseys were anything to go by (numbers in the 20s-40s), as they were saving their best for Wednesday’s UEFA final. Still, I thought the atmosphere was pretty cool. We were sitting at the neutral end (behind the goal) where I guess most of the Boro supporters were. Sitting behind the goal was great when the action was at our end but not so great when it was up the other end. Despite the general lack of excitement there was enough play and good atmosphere to keep me interested in the game and I think we all enjoyed ourselves … most especially when ribbing Sandra about Boro’s “performance”.
After the game we headed to Wetherspoons for another cheeky pint or two (well, OJ for me) for a post-game analysis (nah – really it was just more of an excuse to drink) before heading to Hare & Tortoise for a quick dinner. Its been a longer day than I thought it would be but I really enjoyed myself. Its no wonder the Brits really like their football! Bring on my next match ….
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| Boro keeper at our end | Fulham keeper at our end |
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| Fulham scoring their penalty | Fulham’s lap of honour and the line orange people |
I have to mention the funniest moment of the match when a boro player, faced by an empty goal, did a diving header to put the ball on the net. Unfortunately his body was travelling faster than the ball and he subsequently overtook the ball and landed on it with his hand.
Handball. And he got yellow carded for his efforts (a tad harsh). But the look on Sandra’s face – priceless.
Yea, that was pure class.
Well I thought it was only fair that I should provide my comment on the match.
First of all there are a few facts that need pointing out:-
1) Boro had no first team players on the pitch, having been a Boro fan all my life I have to admit that I had never heard of the majority of the players
2) Of the 16 players in the Boro squad, 15 were born within 30 miles of Middlesbrough – a feat that is so rare in today’s game that you are probably more likely to see a UFO
3) Boro had played 5 games in the last 11 days where as this match was Fulham’s 2nd
4) Whilst Fulham had around 17,000 fans in the stadium, Boro were limited to about 3000 seats and at times were making the most noise demonstrating what proper football is about
5) Julian’s comments about football are null and void as he doesn’t know the meaning of true football
So, on to the match, it’s fair to say that there was a lack of ‘fancy’ football but given the above facts one can only conclude that the performance by Boro was commendable. If either side is to blame for Grace’s first match lacking action then you have to look at Fulham. With the likes of Bridge, Malbranque and McBride they really should have provided more entertainment. If I were their manager, I would quite frankly be ashamed that a penalty had to be relied upon to seal the victory.
Now, please don’t think that I am making excuses for Boro’s defeat. Far from it, I think it was an admirable performance and am still proud to announce my status as a loyal Boro fan. I am looking forward to the coming years when we will see the players from Saturdays match develop and probably form part of the future England national squad. I believe it won’t be too long before Boro are regularly finishing the season with a European qualification spot and the glory supporters (such as Julian) will soon be grovelling and buying Boro merchandise.
Come on SUPERBORO!!!
Actually I might support Chelsea next season – they seem pretty good.
Why not wait til half way through the season before you make your choice Jules – you’ll be able to make a more informed choice then and your bucket of assurance will be a little more full.
You can always tell people you have supported your chosen team for all your life, most people seem to get away with that.